By Jill Pease
Four University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions employees are among this year’s recipients of the Superior Accomplishment Award in the UF Health Science Center division.
Olivia Ardizzone, Robert Baez, David Janicke and Anna Pryyma are recognized as employees who contribute outstanding service, efficiency and/or economy to the university, or play a role in the quality of life provided to students and employees. They will be recognized at an awards luncheon on February 16.
Health Science Center division winners are submitted as nominees to compete for university-level Superior Accomplishment Awards.
Olivia Ardizzone, student services operations coordinator for the college’s undergraduate student services team, received an award under the Individual Employee Performance category. In her role, Ardizzone provides student services and advising support, event management and communications, and coordinates HPNP Complex room scheduling.
“Her work is characterized by excellence, innovation and compassion,” a nominator wrote. “She consistently exceeds expectations and enhances the culture of collaboration within PHHP. Her contributions directly strengthen our undergraduate programs, advance student success and promote the mission of the University of Florida.”
Colleagues noted Ardizzone’s recent accomplishments, including developing a transfer student success checklist, assisting with the development of standard operating procedures, executing all logistics for the college’s first undergraduate information and welcome event, and creating a new communications tool for undergraduate students, PHHP Pulse: All Things Undergrad newsletter.
“Olivia’s attention to detail and creativity have created a visually appealing weekly newsletter that reaches over 1,700 undergraduate students in PHHP,” a co-worker wrote. “Students have consistently provided feedback that they enjoy receiving the newsletter and look to the newsletter for opportunities and deadlines that help them maximize their undergraduate education.”
Robert Baez, Ph.D., along with members of the UF Bystander Overdose Action Team, or BOAT@UF, was recognized in the Team Collaboration category. Baez is the director of operations at UF HealthStreet and a research coordinator III in the Department of Epidemiology.
BOAT@UF was founded in 2022 at UF HealthStreet to bring together public health, emergency medicine, psychiatry, health promotion and community engagement disciplines to address the opioid and fentanyl crisis and empower bystanders to respond to an overdose emergency. Since its inception, the team has provided more than 30 campus and community trainings; contributed to the distribution of more than 16,000 Naloxone kits; embedded overdose prevention training into medical education and peer programs; and mentored multiple student-led projects at the undergraduate and professional program levels.
Baez facilitates community facing operations of BOAT@UF, manages naloxone distribution in collaboration with the Florida Department of Children and Families, and oversees BOAT@UF website communications, data collection and community engagement logistics.
“The Bystander Overdose Action Team exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond,” a nominator wrote. “Through its innovative approach, interdisciplinary collaboration and measurable results, the team has transformed UF’s academic mission into tangible, life-saving community engagement.”
David Janicke, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, received a Sustained Excellence award. A member of the department since 2003, Janicke has served as a researcher, educator, clinician and mentor and in numerous leadership positions including department chair, program director and committee chair. Time after time, he has volunteered to accept additional responsibilities or fill personnel gaps when needs arise, co-workers said.
“He consistently steps forward without hesitation to support colleagues and students, taking on additional responsibilities that far exceed expectations,” a nominator wrote. “He leads with positivity, humility and an unfailing sense of humor that helps others feel supported and at ease even during times of transition or stress.”
Students praised the creativity, responsiveness, commitment, humility and genuine caring Janicke brings to his roles as an instructor, clinical supervisor and research mentor. He also serves as a faculty preceptor for Free Therapy Night, the student-run program offering no-cost mental health care for the community.
“What stands out most is his consistent cooperation and helpfulness, which fosters a positive, collaborative culture within our program,” a student wrote. “Working with Dr. Janicke is not only an educational experience, it is an honor and a privilege. His influence on our development as researchers, clinicians and future professionals cannot be overstated.”
Anna Pryyma, M.H.A., administrator for the Department of Occupational Therapy, received an Individual Employee Performance award. She oversees numerous administrative tasks, including the department’s fiscal and human resources operations. Since beginning her position in 2024, Pryyma has developed several departmental processes that have vastly improved efficiencies in purchasing, hiring, research travel, personnel evaluations and communications.
“In just over one year, Anna has made our department stronger, more efficient and better prepared for future challenges,” a colleague wrote. “Her impact has been nothing short of transformative, and her contributions represent the kind of superior performance that this award was designed to recognize.”
Co-workers also commended Pryyma for contributing to a culture where staff, students and faculty feel valued and supported.
“Her continuous pursuit of excellence has directly translated into improved operational efficiency, enhanced employee and customer experiences, and strengthened team dynamics within the department,” a nominator wrote. “Her ability to navigate complex challenges with integrity, professionalism and a solutions-oriented mindset has made her an invaluable asset to our team. Beyond her accomplishments, Anna is a model of collaboration and service.”